Dr. Suess: the philosopher

It's Dr. Suess' birthday today. That didn't used to mean a lot to me. I didn't grow up reading his books, and I couldn't see what all the fuss was about. Then I became a mom. My kids cannot get enough suess in their lives. They love the lyrical rhythm his rhymes bring. They love that the alphabet comes to life, and magical worlds open up when we read together.

My brother gives the kids a new book for every birthday, Christmas and sometimes "just because". One of these "because" moments brought us one of the most beloved books I've ever known, "Oh The Places You'll Go". To say it's a children's book wouldn't be doing it justice at all. The first time I read it, I bawled all the way through. Because it's a commentary on life. Sometimes you're triumphant and play games with the whole wide world watching you win on tv, and sometimes you'll play lonely games too, games you can't win cause you'll play against you.

With every page there's a fresh perspective on a child's journey through life and it's true whether you're 2 or 102. I'm fairly certain, at my kid's graduation parties, I will probably read this book to them. So, I just wanted to say Thank You to Dr. Suess, a man who has brought me to tears, made me laugh, and given me hours and hours of bonding with my children.

"Be Who You are, and Say what you think. Because those who matter don't mind and those who mind don't matter" -Dr. Suess

The Coldplay Experience: Tim & Erin style

So much to blog about, I scarcely can find clarity of thought. First things first: Coldplay.

We were blessed to have our parents come in from Arizona, and they graciously offered to babysit the boys. Oh boy, a whole night without children? We were elated! We had a lot of fun being able to drive their minivan. Our car is slowly dying and has no air conditioning. Words cannot describe the joy and elation one feels when cold air is blowing on their face in 110 degree heat.

We made it in record time and scurried along to our VIP parking, which the Pagans so lovingly got for us. We were escorted in through the VIP entrance and found our way to the merch table. You simply cannot go to a Coldplay concert without buying a t-shirt to commemorate the experience. Then it was up the 400 steps to the lawn seating.

Now I must admit, I actually enjoyed sitting on the grass picnic-style with my blanket sprawled out over the lawn enjoying the scenery with all of the other people who couldn't afford better tickets. However, that joy quickly left me when I was greeted with the overwhelming smell of cigarette smoke. Yeah, that was unpleasant. Once the concert started the group of 4 people in front of us smoking, quickly escalated to 17 people all puffing away. Then they pulled out the marijuana. We definitely got a second-hand high from sitting next to them. Ofcourse the marijuana made everyone happy, so the R rated makeout sessions began and then one or two fights ensued. That's when we were really wishing we had gotten better seats.

But the CONCERT was incredible. I love how Coldplay makes their concerts an experience, not just a bunch of people playing music on a stage. The lights, the props, the giant yellow beach balls that came out during "Yellow" the confetti that shot out of canons on "Lovers in Japan". Incredible. But still, Chris Martin was a tiny stick figure from where I was sitting.

After much of the concert had commenced, they took a quick intermission and filed up the 400 stairs I had walked. Just 15 feet away from us, they took their spots on a tiny make-shift stage. And played "Green Eyes" (a song that Tim says was made for me). And a wonderful acoustic rendition of "Billy Jean", paying hommage to the late, great Michael Jackson. It was incredible. They were so close I could see the beads of sweat pouring down Chris' face as he played the harmonica. It was incredible.

There are a few nights in my life that stick out to me as great. One, ofcourse, being my wedding night. Another the first night I held my tiny babies in my hands. But I have to say, this night was right up there in my top 5. If you ever get a chance to see Coldplay, do not pass it up. Watching those guys on stage made me really kick myself for not naming my son Noah Coldplay Warkentin. Oh well, maybe the next baby....

New Years Resolution

So I have been thinking about what kind of resolution I want to have this year. I think the last year of my life has been too crazy, and too full of change to have really been able to stay on top of any kind of personal goals. But this year, I hope things will settle down a bit and I can get crackin' on some things I have been hit or miss on.

So I have decided to make my New Year's Resolution this year to scrapbook more. Perhaps this seems odd, since most people's goals are more lofty and probably more about losing weight or maintaining their house.

I guess I just don't take a lot of time for myself, to do things that interest me and things that I can be creative in. I love to be creative, to get messy and chaotic and to be free to do something inspiring. Scrapbooking is that outlet for me.

When we moved into this new house, I was so excited to have my own scrapbook room; a place to be creative. But, those hopes were dashed 3 days after we moved in when I discovered that my scrapbook room would be our new nursery. I have resigned to that fact, and have decided instead to devote a whole closet for my scrapbook stuff so I can take it out and put it away as I see fit, whenever the mood strikes me.

My goal is to be caught up with Elijah's book by the time this new baby comes. So if you come over to my house this year, please excuse the discarded dishes and the unfinished laundry, as I am working on being a more happy, fulfilled and well-rounded mommy by plugging into my creativity. Maybe next year my resolution should be to clean my house more?

A true friend

This is my friend Lauren.

I feel like to say that she's just my friend doesn't really do her justice.

We have been friends for a long time, but it wasn't until Elijah was born that I knew just how good a friend she was. Since day 1 she has always treated him like a nephew, never seeing his obvious weaknesses, always enamored with his personality.

She's made him cast covers when I was too nervous about showing his cast in public, created a blanket for him to snuggle with in the hospital. She has pretty much been a constant through this whole process. Recently, she has cleared her schedule to go down with me to Shriner's each week, so I wouldn't be alone.That has been such a blessing to me.

Last week was a scary one. Eli's pain level increased and his doctor wanted us to go down for an emergency consult. Because most people work during the day, or have kids, I couldn't really find anyone to go with me and was really nervous about the trip. I didn't want to bother Lauren because I knew it was her day off. At 11pm the night before I texted her to tell her about it. Her reply "What time are you picking me up?"
I cannot tell you what that meant to me. All I can say is, I know God put Lauren in my life. Her friendship and faithfullness has been AMAZING.

I don't know what kind of friend I am to people, but I can only hope that in a time of need, I can be the kind of friend that Lauren is to me.

Favorite Winter Thing Number 4

So I have decided to blog about some of my favorite winter things. Sort of like Oprah, except less middle-aged and with a smaller audience.

So without further adieu I give you
Favorite Winter Thing Number 4: Flannel Sheets

I don't know why it took me so long to hitch a ride on the flannel sheet bandwagon. But now that I am on, I am never getting off. Too many frosty evenings I have pulled the covers back to slip into what feels like a pool of ice. Even with a warm duvet surrounding me, I am cold all night.

Finally, in a late-night, online shopping bout I found a sale on target.com for flannel sheets. With shipping and everything they were $40 and I thought it was worth a shot. 6 days later they arrived and as I put them on my bed that night, I could feel my world changing.

Slipping into the buttery-softness of the warm flannel, I had one of the best night's sleeps I have had in years. Best $40 I ever spent, hands down. Another perk: they are energy efficient. Since getting the flannel sheets, we have really saved on our heating bill.

There are some downfalls, ofcourse, to flannel sheet use.
If you have an extreme amount of body hair, you might get a tad overheated. (Though it's nothing a good waxing won't cure.) Also, flannel sheets may cause an extreme inability to get out of bed in the morning because you are so comfortable and relaxed. So, if you have trouble already with that, I suggest to have a cup of coffee on stand-by. All-in-all though, this is one of the greatest inventions and I am kicking myself now for not trying them out sooner.

So there you have it, one of my favorite winter things. If you haven't already experienced the heaven that is flannel sheets, I encourage you to take a look at Target.com..... you will not be sorry.

Dad update

For those of you who asked, here's an update on my pops:

He went in for his liver transplant on September 11th (I know...l bad day huh?) and about 13 hours later, he was out of surgery. He slept for 2 days, and nearly missed his birthday alltogether. He is currently in the ICU right now, so I don't have any pictures to post. But he is doing well, considering he has just had a life-altering surgery happen to him. He still has some issues with his kidneys they are working on, but they took the tube out of his throat and just yesterday he actually sat in a chair.

We are obviously thrilled with the success of the surgery, but the thing about transplants are that they aren't just a quick surgery and then they are done. They're a lot like chemo-therapy for cancer. You have to go through it, and then there's recovery and waiting and you're not truly well until you go into remission, which takes a while. That's what getting a new liver is like.

My dad has a lot of work ahead of him. He's got a long hospital stay till they move him out of the ICU, then there's staying in a halfway home under constant supervision. After that, he has to stay in Atlanta for a few months so they can monitor him. He's just begun a long process of recovery, but we are so grateful that the Lord has gotten him this far. Steve Reibsome is a fighter, so we know he will get through.

We appreciate all of your prayers and support, they have meant more than you can know to him.

Love you daddy

From the time I was 2 years old, my dad has had a fatal liver disease. He was in and out of hospitals throughout my childhood. It was not pleasant. But God really has spared him from a lot, and he got to walk me down the aisle and watch his grandson be born (well, watch from the waiting room that is). There were a lot of times when the Lord could have taken him, and he spared him. We have always been grateful.

Recently, his condition has been getting progressively worse. And after 24 years of waiting, he finally got put on the list to have a liver transplant. He was given a beeper (like a pimp) and has been waiting to be beeped. This morning at 5am I got a phone call from my sister. I hate 5am phone calls, because they only mean bad things.

She called and told me that they were going to the hospital and that dad was going to get a new liver. It's a scary thing when you stare death in the face. To wake up and think, "This might be the day my dad dies." I hate it, it feels awful and terribly helpless. But I am also so grateful that he will finally be able to get something his body has so badly needed for as long as I can remember. I talked to my dad on the phone this morning, and tried not to think that it could be the last time I talk to him.

He made a few jokes and made me laugh. I love that about him. He taught me to do that as well. In fact, during my 17 hour stint in labor, I was making all the nurses laugh hysterically. It's a trait that I love about my dad that he gave me. One of the many. Anyways, if anyone is reading this, and I can never really be sure of that, could you pray for him?

"I saw the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will live in hope, because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor wil you let your Holy One see decay. You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence." Acts 2:25-28

FAT BABY PANCAKES

For those of you who don't know, Elijah has always had trouble gaining weight. With a family like ours, we were shocked at this inability, but still he has been quite the skinny minnie. Recently, his doctor has put him on a major chunko diet. But unfortunately, he hates the things she wants him to eat. And refuses, to the point of throwing wild fits, to eat anything even associated with these foods. This has been massively discouraging for me as a mom, and has thrown me into a major slump.

After talking with my girls Nichole and Jenny, and after many tears and groans, they encouraged me to think outside the box. Being a mom is all about creativity and patience. So I took a cue from them and came up with a few ideas. I dumped all of the "goodies" Eli is supposed to eat but refuses to, into a yummy recipe for pancakes that I call:

Fat Baby Pancakes

1 1/2 cups of Bisquick
1/2 cup of similac formula
2 eggs
1 whole bottle of vanilla pediasure
(equivalent of 1 cup of milk)
and stir.

Not exactly chef Gordon Ramsey or anything, but it does the trick. He ate them up and was a full little boy. I have to say, that encouragement really saw me through. It's so funny how you can be at your witt's end in something and all you have to hear is a different mom's perspective that makes it so simple. I find myself daily saying "why didn't I think of that?"

Thanks girls, you saved my life!

Save our emergency rooms!

Hey guys, I was inspired by a blog I just read on blogger by Juliette Read about Medi-cal and budget cuts.
Looks like Arny is proposing a 10% cut to Medi-Cal. He is proposing this due to a $15.2 billion shortfall in the budget . Bottomline: Because of the cut in Medi-Cal, it is going to leave a lot more people uninsured which will crowd our emergency rooms even more! Because of the crowding situation, it will force a LOT of emergency rooms to shut their doors. This is a serious problem.
There is a petition you can sign here that will be sent straight to our Governor to oppose that Medi-cal cut. On the sight, you can see that St. Elizabeth's and Mercy are BOTH going to be affected by this.
While our budget in California is a serious problem, messing with the healthcare system is not a good way to solve it. I encourage you to read Juliette's blog and make a difference.

VIVA LA VIDA - AN HONEST LOOK

So I have been reading A LOT about Viva La Vida (Coldplay's new album) out there in blogland. It seems to be quite the controversy. Being the Coldplay FREAK that I am, I of course went right out and bought it as soon as was humanly possible. But I must say that I disagree with about 75% of you out there. I think this new album is a piece of musical genius and here's why:

#1-To understand a musical masterpiece, you must first understand it's background.
This album was based on the french revolution. If you notice, most of it's songs
are war themed, talking about death and idealism in love. And the band upon each
performance of it's single, has been sporting army uniforms to further inspire.
I think that the songs are more mature. They're not all pie-in-the-sky Coldplay
like some would hope. They have a rich background and their lyrics are grounded
with meaning.

#2- Whole is better than half.
Most people would prefer Coldplay to do different renditions of the same hits like
"Yellow" or "Fix You". I, on the other hand, find it terribly refreshing that they
have gone out of their way to make an album that is cohesive, and nearly
single-free. It makes it unique and interesting. In order to hear a good story,
you wouldn't read one chapter of a book. And so it is with this album; to
appreciate it fully, you must hear the WHOLE thing.


#3- Change is a GOOD thing.
I cannot tell you how many complaints I have heard about them using new and
interesting instruments. What is wrong with a little change? It's not like they
experimented with the sitar or the banjo. Chill out a little and learn to enjoy
the hammer dulcimer. Drink it in, it feels good going down.


In conclusion, the 4th album from Coldplay is growing to become my most favorite. Rich in new and interesting beats, and time signatures, it keeps me pumped all through my "busy" day of housework. But don't take my word for it, check out "Viva La Vida" the new single and tell me your feet don't start tapping.

MOTHER'S DAY REFLECTION

So yesterday I celebrated my first official mother's day. Elijah was teething and was pretty much a terror the entire day, but I didn't care, I was so excited about the day.

I used to think that Mother's Day was a celebration of what mothers do. At least, that's how I always celebrated it. But now, on the flip side of it, I feel entirely different about the holiday.

I spent the majority of the day just thinking about what an amazing GIFT it is to be a mother. I remember when Elijah was swimming around in my belly, how I knew my life would change forever, I knew it would be totally different... but I really couldn't understand how. It really has radically changed my life. I used to not be very sentimental- it would take a lot to get me to cry. Now, all I have to do is see a Hallmark commercial and I bawl like a baby. Motherhood is in my every thought. Every daytime activity is set around nap-time, every plan of a major event involves intense laundry and food preperation. Even my dreams all involve Elijah being attacked by wild bears or saving him from a pit of snakes (I am like Indiana Jones- I HATE snakes). In fact, most days it is hard to remember a time (though it has only been 9 months) when my life was not about my son.

Recently, Elijah cuddled up to my face and took my hand in his and grabbed it. I think that sums up motherhood perfectly. A life holding onto you so tightly, an intimate moment, a cherished conversation. I am probably the only one on the planet that was so excited the day Elijah pooped for the first time, or the day he rolled over, or got his first tooth. I am the keeper of his history, and I am enjoying every minute of that job.

So I guess, all that to say that my Mother's Day was awesome, not because my son gave me a cute card, or sang me a song, or did anything other than screaming at the top of his lungs because his teeth hurt. But because I spent the day remembering why I love being a mother so much.

COLPLAY AND THE STORY OF US

So this morning I got up at the BUTTCRACK of dawn. Was it because my baby was awake? No he slept in till 9:30 this morning. No, I woke up early so that I could immediately go and download COLDPLAY'S new single "Violet Hill". It came out at 12:15 London time, and I was up almost that early.

I actually felt like I was one of those nerdy star wars people that camps out in front of the movie theatre a week before the movie comes out re-enacting epic battle scenes or something. But instead of a light-saber, I was listening to all their greatest hits on iTunes, busying myself until it's release. So, why am I such a freak about Coldplay?

OUR HISTORY:

The Courtship
When Tim and I started dating (circa spring 2001) we would often drive around, talking about music. One night we heard this amazing song Yellow on the radio and missed who wrote it.

So we stayed up till laaaate just to hear it again and find out who did it, this was ofcourse before we realized we simply could have googled it. We decided that it would have to be our song. Because we stayed up late at night, watching the stars, just to hear the song with the line:

"Look at the Stars, see how they shine for you."

We immediately went to Circuit City (this was before Best Buy came to town) and bought their album Parachutes. We didn't even know any other songs of theirs, we just felt "right about it" I guess.

And that's where we fell in love..... with Coldplay that is.

The Commitment

I believe it wasn't until the Summer of 2003 when Rush of Blood to the head came out. I distinctly remember Tim surprising me with tickets to go see them. When we would explain how excited we were about it to people, they often looked puzzled, because they had never heard of Coldplay. That summer was epic in 2 ways.... first we went to see them in concert and I will NEVER forget that moment, then we got engaged, another moment I will always remember.

As we walked down the aisle, 10 months later, as man and wife, Yellow was blasting in the background, and we were liberated.

Then Coldplay got BIG.

The Trial

Soon after we got married, we found ourselves living in a foreign place, with very foreign music. We were elated to hear of Coldplay's new release in 2006 entitled X & Y because it was a little piece of home to us. When we finally heard it, we felt that the album as a whole seemed different and strange. And just like us, Coldplay seemed to be going through a hard time.

When Elijah was born, however, the song "Fix You" took on a whole new meaning, and it became our anthem for him. We could find a masterpiece amidst the confusing mess.

And that's where we come back to today and "Violet Hill". It seems that wherever we have journeyed, Coldplay has been a part of our world. To many, it probably seems strange, but to us, Coldplay is like family. In fact, if it were up to me, Elijah would have been Elijah Coldplay Warkentin. Fortunately for him, his father intervened.

So that's why I was up like a freak waaaay too early this morning, and why the name Violet might just be a future child's name.

A friend is....

I love to blog about what inspires me. More and more, I have realized that what inspires me most, are my friends. I just had to say a special "Thankyou" to them

A true friend is:
-Someone who picks you up after a long hard day and takes you out to coffee

- Someone who can make you laugh so hard, you actually get a stomach workout!






-Someone who doesn’t see the piles of laundry or the mountains of dishes, they just see you.









-Someone who sends you postcards from exotic places they travel to, but still thinks of you when they’re in those places.






- Someone who randomly buys you something you’ve been needing FOREVER, but didn’t have the money to buy yourself.





- Someone who just listens when you call them and vent to them about your day.





-Someone who’s very presence in your life gives you strength to keep going.




-Someone who will watch your child for you just so you can get away for a few hours.




-Someone who laughs at all of your stupid jokes.







-Someone who randomly text messages you when you pop into their head.





Someone who loves you for the quirky, over-the-top, flip-flop-wearing, big haired weirdo that you are.
Thankyou to ALL of my friends for being there for me- you have truly saved my life!

Three great blankets

Today, I set up Elijah's crib. I put his sheets on and tied the bumper, I even put the little pillow out. Then I pulled out 3 blankets and hung them on the sides of the bed. It was then that I realized just how special those 3 blankets were. They represented 3 great grandmothers.
 
The first was a blanket with special fabric picked out for his nursery. The little squares were carefully prepared and hand-stitched with love.  It represented 'Gigi' his great grandmother Harney. And it sits in the front of his crib.
 
The second blanket is a soft, warm and fuzzy blanket. Picked with love especially to match his room, and to snuggle with. Elijah loves to snuggle with soft blankets. This represented his great grandma Reibsome. And it sits on the side of his crib that's closest to his face.
 
The third blanket was a small, white, hand-knitted blanket. It took a long time for very old hands to make. But all the while, he was thought of with every loop. This represented his great grandma Warkentin. Who, very soon after she sent this blanket to Elijah, died. It sits on the right side of his crib.
 
These 3 blankets wouldn't stand out much to most people. They probably wouldn't even give them a second glance. But I see them as his 3 great grandmothers looking down on him each night, watching over him, and keeping him safe. One, in Georgia, one in Pennsylvania and one in heaven.
 
Some day I will tell him the story of each of these blankets, the significance of each person. I will tell him that he is their legacy, their gift and that each one loved him so much and were blessed to have him in their lives. And if he ever doubts it, all he has to do is look at those 3 great blankets.

Maybe the best birthday ever

Maybe the best birthday ever!

So I know on your birthday you're supposed to mourn the loss of another year and grimace at turning a year older. But this year, the passing of age was much easier thanks to such a great birthday!

My family were great- singing happy birthday to me periodically throughout the day. My brother brought me flowers and a balloon. My sister wrote Happy Birthday all over my car. My dad gave me a "Happy Birthday" pavorotti style where I work. My office gave me a giant cookie cake. My aunt and mom took me out to lunch and my husband took me to dinner and a movie.

But some of the best part of my birthday was the wonderful birthday wishes I got from all of you guys out there in myspaceland. Living in a place where you don't have any friends can make you kinda lonely sometimes (especially on your birthday) but today was great because all the people I care about, remembered my special day! So thanks guys for making my 25th a great birthday instead of a quarter life crisis!!!!!

The art of cappuccino making

Today as I was standing at the bar, attempting to make the perfect cappucino a thought popped into my head: Making friends is a lot like making coffee.I realize this might sound odd at first, but humor me. Standing there amidst the steam of the milk wand it occured to me just how much time, effort, finesse, and talent it takes to make the perfect cup-o-joe. You have to remember each step... taking time to make sure the temperature of the milk is right: not too hot, not too cold. You have to make the perfect shot: 12-23 seconds in length. You have to create the right kind of foam: not too frothy, not foam with giant bubbles. If you think about it, it's a lot like making friends.

You have to be charming, and witty, and interested, but not too pushy. You have to take time listening to people's history, interests, needs. You have to assess what makes them tick.. or at least I do. I guess I didn't realize how long that took.

 Some friendships are quick, and end in a blaze of glory, like shots of espresso. Some take a long time to make a connection, like a non-fat, sugarfree vanilla cappuccino.And some people, like some coffee, don't turn out the way you thought they would, so you have to start over again.

I guess, in short... this whole making friends in a new town thing takes a lot more skill and mastery than I had originally thought. I only wish it took as long to make a friend as a cup of coffee.